Preview: Can FC Goa conclude ACL campaign with a win over Al Wahda?

The Gaurs are yet to win a game in the AFC Champions League this season.

As their inaugural AFC Champions League campaign comes to an end, FC Goa will be determined to put on a show in their final game of the group stages against Al Wahda FC. The Emirati side will be keen on getting a win – which could help them top the group if Al-Rayyan defeat Persepolis. Considering everything, it will take something special from FC Goa to get victory over Al Wahda.

Juan Ferrando’s side has already punched above its weight with some surprising results in the competition. The Gaurs are also likely to secure a third-place finish in a group, where many predicted them to fail miserably. The Spaniard will look to ensure his side finishes the campaign in a graceful note and give fans something to smile about.

The Stakes

FC Goa

The Gaurs can’t finish in the top two spots of the group anymore but they have a strong possibility of finishing in the third place. Even finishing third in the group, in which not many expected them to come this far is impressive and Ferrando’s men will be determined to secure that place.

FC Goa can also finish the job on Al Wahda – whom they gave a tough fight in their last meeting. With nothing to lose, the Goan players will look to play their hearts out to secure a win.

Al Wahda FC

The Emirati outfit have already secured a top-two finish in the group stages but need another win to either finish as group winners or as three of the best runners-up. They can only top the group if Al-Rayyan are able to get a shock win over Persepolis, however, Henk ten Cate’s side will be aiming to cement their qualification with a win.

After drawing in their last meeting, Al Wahda will be cautious this time around. Following an inspiring win over Persepolis, they are going to look to improve their goal difference with a win and hand a bitter end to the Gaurs’ campaign.

Team News

FC Goa

It has been understood that the Gaurs will field an all-Indian XI, as the foreigners in the squad including head coach Ferrando and the players have been allowed to return home in light of the COVID-19 situation in the country. Brandon Fernandes and Sanson Pereira also picked slight knocks in the game, so it remains to see whether they play or not.

Al Wahda

Young forward Abdulla Anwar will be unavailable after picking up a red card against Persepolis. Abdullah Al Karbi will also miss the game due to suspension.

Probable Line-ups

FC Goa - Dheeraj (GK), Seriton, D'Cunha, Adil, Gama, Romario, Martins, Chothe, Amarjit, Devendra, Ishan.

Al Wahda - Al Shamsi (GK), Adel, Pimenta, Juma, Barqesh, Lee, Hamad, Al-Harbi, Adel, Kharbin, Matavz.

Man to Watch

Ishan Pandita (FC Goa)

Against Al Wahda, Ishan Pandita becomes the Gaurs' 'Man to Watch' mostly because he has not impressed in the last two or three matchdays. The youngster arrived in India last summer after a considerably long stint in Spain, and instantly made an impact for FC Goa in the ISL. He scored four goals in the competition, and all of them won points for the team as they qualified to the playoffs by a whisker.

However, Pandita has not been able to impress as much in ACL 2021. Tomorrow presents a final chance for him to show everyone what he is truly capable of. Hopefully he will utilise that chance well and give FC Goa something to cheer about as they take on Al Wahda.

Tim Matavz (Al Wahda)

The tall Slovenian striker might be an intimidating figure, but don’t let that fool you. Matavz caused Goa a lot of problems in their last encounter, with his off-the-ball movement and link-up play.

He scored a brilliant winner against Persepolis by dribbling multiple defenders before powering the ball into the goal. He’ll look to trouble Goa with his impressive movement and finishing ability to score more goals in the ACL.

Telecast

The ACL 2021 Group E match between FC Goa and Al Wahda will be played at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. Kick-off is at 10:30 pm and the match will be telecast live on Star Sports 3. The game will also be streamed live on Disney+Hotstar (VIP) and Jio TV.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.